The Audi TT is a
sports car, produced
between 1998 and 2006. It was available as a coupe or roadster. This
car was replaced with the
new
TT.

There are five versions
of Audi's 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, offering 150 hp, 180 hp,
225 hp or 240 hp in the new Sport model. All use six-speed manual
gearboxes. The 250 hp 3.2 V6 is strong and smooth, and can be mated
to Audi's superb semi-auto Direct Shift Gearbox.

The Audi TT's handling is
as sharp as its looks. The ride is firm at low speeds, but the car
turns in well and grips superbly. Most coupe versions of the TT have
Audi's quattro four-wheel-drive system for surefooted grip in even
the worst driving conditions. Sport versions are lightened and
lowered for greater performance.

This car allows you to
hear the full voice of the rasping exhaust, and also suffers from
some wind noise at speed, despite the slippery shape. However, the
engine note will appeal to some, and the wind can easily be drowned
out by the excellent stereo.

The materials used
throughout the TT are first rate and assembled with extreme care. A
well looked-after car can shrug off high mileage, and the engines
and gearboxes have proved sound.

The TT follows every
other Audi in providing high levels of safety kit. As well as four
airbags and anti-lock brakes (ABS), you get stability control. The
improved locks, with an effective immobilizer.

Audi's attention to
detail is superb, and the immaculately built cabin features some
beautiful chrome touches. Controls work efficiently, although some
are oddly positioned. In most versions, the driving position is
excellent, thanks to full adjustment for the seat and wheel. The
racing seats in the Sport model are cramped, however. Rear
visibility could be better.

For two, the TT coupe or
roadster makes a decent stab at practicality. There's room for a
couple of six-footers, and the boot will swallow their luggage.
However, there's not a great deal of space for odds and ends. The
tiny rear seats are virtually useless, and in the Sport model and
roadsters, non-existent.

There's generous kit in
every model. The good looks are topped off with alloy wheels, while
luxuries inside include climate control, remote central locking and
leather upholstery. You'll also find electric windows and mirrors,
and folding rear seats to extend the boot space. Options include
metallic paint, cruise control, satellite-navigation and a six-CD
changer.

There is still a high
level of demand on Audi TT and it is reflected in extremely strong
value retention.

Advantages: Looks
as good as the day it was unveiled. Performance still stacks up.
Standard four-wheel drive on most models. Solid build and a
high-class cabin lie beneath one of the most attractive cars on the
road.

Disadvantages:
Newer rivals are sharper to drive. Forget using rear seats on the
coupe for anything other than storage. Rear visibility could be
better.